Shooting Rampage Leaves 12 Dead, Gunman Dies by Suicide

A gunman in Montenegro fatally shot at least 12 people, including two children, before taking his own life as police closed in, officials confirmed Thursday. At least four others were injured during the shooting rampage in the western town of Cetinje on Wednesday, which authorities say began after a bar brawl. Why It Matters Montenegro, a small Balkan nation with a population of approximately 620,000, has a deeply rooted gun culture, where it is common for people to own weapons. Wednesday’s shooting marked the second mass shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro’s former capital, in just three years. In August 2022, an attacker killed 10 people, including two children, before being fatally shot by a passerby in the same town. The latest tragedy has reignited painful memories and left the country grappling with the senseless loss of life, with senior politicians expressing their shock and horror. Police investigators work at the site of a shooting in Cetinje, 22 miles west of Podogrica, Montenegro, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. A gunman in Montenegro fatally shot at least 12 people, including two children, before… Police investigators work at the site of a shooting in Cetinje, 22 miles west of Podogrica, Montenegro, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. A gunman in Montenegro fatally shot at least 12 people, including two children, before taking his own life as police closed in. Risto Bozovic/AP What to Know The shooter, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovi?, killed the owner of a bar he had visited that day, the owner’s children, and members of his own family during the rampage, according to Interior Minister Danilo Šaranovi?. Martinovi? fled the scene and police launched an intensive search for the shooter. Special units were deployed, and roads leading in and out of Cetinje were sealed off while officers conducted a sweeping search through the streets. An undated image of the shooter police identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovi?. Martinovi?. He killed a bar owner, the owner’s children, and members of his own family during the rampage, according to Interior Minister Danilo… An undated image of the shooter police identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovi?. Martinovi?. He killed a bar owner, the owner’s children, and members of his own family during the rampage, according to Interior Minister Danilo Šaranovi?. Police of Montenegro/AP Martinovi? was eventually located and surrounded by police. He died after shooting himself in the head, Šaranovi? said. Šaranovi? later confirmed that Martinovi? died from his injuries while en route to a hospital in Podgorica. “He died from the severity of his injuries,” Šaranovi? said, describing the tragic conclusion to a rampage that has left the nation in shock. Police investigators work at the site of a shooting in Cetinje, 22 miles west of Podogrica, Montenegro, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Wednesday’s shooting marked the second mass shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic capital, in just… Police investigators work at the site of a shooting in Cetinje, 22 miles west of Podogrica, Montenegro, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Wednesday’s shooting marked the second mass shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic capital, in just three years. In August 2022, an attacker killed 10 people, including two children, before being fatally shot by a passerby in the same town. Risto Bozovic/AP Police Commissioner Lazar Š?epanovi? revealed that Martinovi? had been at the bar throughout the day with other patrons when a brawl broke out. Following the altercation, Martinovi? reportedly went home, retrieved a weapon, and returned to the bar around 5:30 p.m., where he began his deadly rampage. Š?epanovi? disclosed that Martinovi? had a history of violent behavior, which included a suspended sentence in 2005. He had also recently appealed a conviction for illegal weapons possession. Montenegrin media reported that Martinovi? was known for erratic and violent tendencies, further highlighting concerns about his potential for dangerous escalation. What People Are Saying Prime Minister Milojko Spaji? called the attack a “terrible tragedy,” reflecting the profound shock and grief felt across the nation. Interior Minister Danilo Šaranovi? underscored the severity of the violence, saying, “The level of rage and brutality shows that sometimes such people … are even more dangerous than members of organized criminal gangs.” Police Commissioner Lazar Š?epanovi? said “He killed four people at the bar before heading out,” adding that Martinovi? continued his shooting spree at three additional locations, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. President Jakov Milatovi? expressed his devastation over the latest tragedy. “I am shocked and stunned by the loss of innocent lives,” he said in a statement posted on X. “Instead of holiday joy … we have been gripped by sadness over this senseless violence.” What Happens Next The Montenegrin government has declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday in the wake of the devastating shooting. The recurring violence in Cetinje has left residents shaken as they grapple to understand the reasons behind the killing spree, raising urgent questions about the need for measures to address gun violence in the small Balkan nation. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press